Our Editing

7 Secrets of Science Fantasy Books Editing

Science fantasy is one of the most imaginative fictional genres out there. Because they merge elements from both fantasy and science fiction, science fantasy books are almost limitless when it comes to the worlds they create.

For this reason, science fantasy books, and particularly fantasy books for children, are hugely enjoyable for any writer interested in creating new worlds to write. The writer gets to invent names, conceive new races, design new planets, create new laws and religions, as well as pave the way for an entire series of their kids fantasy books.

Editing science fantasy books as well as editing military science books is when the fun would appear to stop. It’s the part of the process where, instead of creating a new world, you have to ask yourself if the world you’ve created is actually a bit rubbish. Instead of enthusiastically inventing new names, you have to ask yourself whether that great name you created ‘Gastox 889’ is actually pretty awful.

Yes, editing kids fantasy books would appear to be the the moment the fun ended. Not that it has to be this way. Editing your science fantasy books means you have to refine the plot, tweak the characters, and tighten the various worlds you’ve created. But if anything, you’re improving the book. Rather than destroying all the fun you had, you’re making the whole thing ten times better. And, believe us, editing fantasy books for children certainly makes them much more fun to read. Let’s have a look at some secret tips.

1. Grammar

Because you’re editing books about science fantasy, there is a chance that some of the strange looking language employed be the writer is actually deliberate. What looks like poor grammar may be a nuance exclusive to a certain tribe. Therefore, when editing grammar, consult with the author.

2. Make Sure The Science Is Right

Yes, it’s fun to write fantasy books for children because nothing is real and you can write what you want. But the science needs to be correct. If you’re writing about gravity, things still need to be factual and logical.

3. Remember, Logic Still Exists

Even in kids fantasy books, logic still has to remain. This means that characters are still subject to their own characteristics and flaws, as well as the science of the world around them. If a character does something ‘out of character’ it is doing something illogical. Check to make sure that the characters are consistent throughout the book.

4. Know Your Worlds

Science fantasy books tend to take place in a made-up world. This is why it’s important that the editor checks for errors and inconsistencies in this invented world. If the sky is ‘always black’ on the first page but then becomes green on page 563, the reader will spot it. A writer can get confused when inventing a world, so be on your guard.

5. Make Sure The Genre Is Consistent

Some fantasy books for children are comedy-sci-fi’s, whilst others are more serious thrillers. If the genre isn’t clearly defined, with the book veering from comedy to thriller all the time, the editor needs to address it.

6. Spot Bad Dialogue

Okay, this is science fantasy, but that doesn’t mean the character’s have to talk like quasi-robotic intellectuals. Keep the technological jargon at a minimum if possible. Readers aren’t interested. Despite the genre, readers still want good dialogue straight out of a drama.

7. Inject Some Human Themes

Despite science fantasy books being, well, invented, readers – particularly children – still want something they can relate to. Whilst none of us can relate to exploring a new planet, we can all relate to the fear people feel when exploring something new. If common themes are missing from the book, now is the time to add them.